Rivers Hoopers, 4-time Nigeria Premier Basketball League champions crushed Police Batons 70-46 to emerge champions of the Atlantic Conference in Akure on Saturday.
Abel Offia shot 10 points, including back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter of the game.
For a second consecutive game, the KingsMen had a slow start to the game. Hoopers came from a six-point deficit in the opening quarter to tie the game 26-26 before the break.
Hoopers forward Victor Mohammed explained why they had a slow start to the game which dunked off at 9 am.
”We were tired, fatigued, and didn’t eat before coming for this game so we had to pick up in the game.”
On how they finished the Conference 8 without a defeat, Mohammed said “I am very happy. It’s a great achievement for the team because it was a collective effort and we were able to achieve this streak with discipline so it was a good one for us.”
Hoopers outscored Police Batons 18-5 in the third for a 52-31 lead going into the fourth.
The former champions held on to dismantle the helpless Police Batons.
Hoopers finished the Atlantic Conference phase without a defeat, winning all 10 games.
Ahead of the Final Four, the former Kwara Falcons forward said they still have areas to work on to be 100% ready.
”At the moment we are 80% ready. We will go back home, train and work on some of our deficiencies, and come back 100%.”
“We know it’s going to be a good competition for us.”
The KingsMen will return to Port Harcourt on Sunday to prepare for the Final Four scheduled for 19-26 November in a yet-to-be-decided venue.
